FIZAH (Female Kolong Garbage)
PART 32 "Where?"

*Hafizah Palace

As I sat at the table, which happened to be empty, the desk chair that the man had occupied, someone came to ask for permission to sit down. I didn't respond so much to what he said. Other than the noise tapping into the voice of the man beside me, I could not hear clearly his short voice. I focused down. It's the worry that whispers my ears.

Then, I tiptoed when the man touched my arm. My chest's up and down. I looked at him with glaring eyes. My breath is kempis.

"Please get a tissue on your front desk, Ma'am." He continued eating.

I figured why. I got up asking for a box of tissue on the table right in front of me. I asked for your permission.

The one in the chair got up and replied, "Take it. We're done."

I nodded. Then, I put down the tissue without releasing a word.

"Only alone, Neng?"

Instantly shuddered my hair. The pieces of Mr. Su's face, the Magistrate's face, and the man who night after night had asked for water from me were slashed without excuse. I want to stuff my ears.

"Beautiful by yourself. Or, maybe you're still single, huh, this mama?"

I'm mute. I assume he's not talking to me.

"Women sell expensive. Mute times."

My lips kept saying, "You like cheap" I said before I got up to move seats. My gap.

"Why move?"

"No, Sir."

"Here I pack two rice and iced tea."

I accepted while nodding my head.

"Where is your friend Rinai?"

"Rinai?"

"Your friend Rinai's name, right?"

"The Genengan still remember his name? He's outside."

"Yes. I went to the mosque first."

"Thank you."

He's nodding.

In my heart, I wanted to ask her what her name was and why she was here. But, my question goes back in the esophagus. I tried to rethink. Isn't he a cold guy? In fact, he just did not mind asking why we could meet accidentally here. I stared at him until he came out through the door line.

I'm budging.

"Where is Ratna?" muttered.

From across the street, he waved. He ran towards me. Then, attack me with one question.

"Did you meet the man who helped us yesterday?"

I showed you the crackle I took.

"It's from her."

"Why is this coincidence?"

"Come, Ratna. The power of God no one knows. Let's find a place to eat."

"There, Fizah. We're safe there. Far from the interference of men."

He's clutching my hand.

Now we're at the park's town square. The sky depicts the twilight. People say, twilight is beauty. For me, twilight is pain. Every time I see twilight, that's where my life is at stake. Dying by choosing faith or living in unbelief.

In fact, the story of Sumayyah is greater than the story itself. The reflection that arises then becomes the basis of exemplary for all women who have been faced with the same choice. Unfortunately, I am not as perfect as the man who lived at that time, Sumayyah bint Khayyat. Sumayyah died, but I chose to live in the shadows of the past.

There is a fear that no one else will ever know except myself. That every redness began to line the sky, I thought of a way how I could still live in the sahara desert that was so hot. Will I be able to survive in a lump of courage that often collapses suddenly. And so, yesterday afternoon was the last day on which I witnessed twilight no more painful than what I see now.

*Nizami's Ibban

I stared at the phone screen that rang. Incoming messages.

"Can Mr Nizam meet me tonight?"

^^^"In what order is this?"^^^

"I'm a birthday, sir. I invited Mr. Iman and he was able to attend. Must be willing, right? Yes, right, Mr Ibban?"

^^^"OKAY. God willing I came. I don't have to bring gifts, do I?" 🤭^^^

^^^"Faith. Mr. Iman must have brought the most special gift." 👍👍^^

"😏😏😏".

^^^"I prepared the magrib prayer first, Ma'am."^^^

"Snapjeh. Ready, sir."

^^^"Next time the invitation is not sudden." 🤬^^^

"😅😂🙏🙏".

As soon as the cell phone entered the pocket, from here, the two girls were eating voraciously. Those two packs of rice might seem very valuable. I don't feel my heart giving me twelve.

When she entered the food stall, her frightened face grabbed my attention. I thought she was with Ratna, but she kept walking alone towards the crowd. I saw behind him the nil that was trailing. Therefore, I offered him a meal because I knew he was not carrying any money. He is not like someone who wants to buy. I remember his name Zahratusy Syifa.

I noticed the two who were unintentionally looking at me. Just a few seconds their gaze was thrown in the other direction. Then, they seemed uncomfortable wanting to leave immediately when three men approached them. One of them tried to touch Rinai's arm. Her pretty face confiscated the three men first. Then Zahra threatened with a fist. He was trying to protect Rinai.

I tiptoed there. My instincts told me to help them. Why he came to my house yesterday, it was also because he had been chased by someone. I approached them.

"They're both my brothers. Don't disturb. Just leave you." I'm affirming. I'm closing the pace. I pat one of them on the shoulder.

"Ooooooo. Yuk, we just pull it out."

They also left.

"They won't interfere. Go to the mosque. It's safer. Where are you guys really going?"

"We're going home." Zahra answered.

"Go back to?"

"Sorry." That's what he said from his mouth.

"I can take you guys."

They look at each other. Then, shake at the same time.

"Yes already. Soon, azan. Come to the mosque."

They walked slowly behind me.

Mobile beeping. The dadi ibuk.

"Assalamu'alaikum, Buk?"

"Wa'alaikumussalam."

"What's up, Buk?"

"So I was on the phone with Rubia. He said he wanted permission to let you eat, Zam? Really so?"

"Enggeh. Bener, Buk."

"Don't forget to bring a gift."

"His invitation just now, Buk. I don't know what to say either."

"Suit it then. I suggest you just go headscarf, Le. Rubia's mother is beautiful when wearing a red jambon hijab." Pink means.

"And, Ibuk also nitip his own gift, yo, Zam. I bought a top shirt. I'll change the money."

"The lads are for you alone, Buk."

"I'm busy pengen ngado himself. You bought a robe. Tell me it's a gift from Ibuk."

"Enggeh."

"Don't forget the hood and its matching robe. Mismatched. Don't look like a dudeso, Le. Rubia's mom is beautiful."

"Sirvor, Buk. What else?"

"That's it. If there's any good news about you, I'm quick to hear."

"What news, O God," I said.

"Assalamu'alaikum."

"Wa'alaikumussalam warahmatullah."

I know the two of them are still behind me.

Where are you now? If allowed I want to be met with you.